4 Yr Old Reaction to Shots

Redness, a bit of swelling, even a mild fever are not only normal with vaccines, they are usually a sign that the body is mounting exactly the immune response (which often causes inflammation in the early stages) that is hoped for. Some kids react more strongly, some less so, but unless the reaction itself becomes problematic or simply too uncomfortable, it's a good thing.

If further symptoms develop, it could be either that your son has also contracted a coincidental illness or allergy, or that he is reacting inappropriately to the shots. But what you're describing sounds normal and even desirable. The vaccine is prompting the production of antibodies, and they are rushing to the site of the vaccination.

Have you talked to your pediatrician about it?

http://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/sympto...

I think it's normal. But you should always call the doc, even after hours, if you have any concerns. Ours have us call the local hospital and the operator calls the doc out of that office that is on call. They usually call me back within 5 minutes unless it's the middle of the night.

We've always had a pediatrician that had several together. My own doc is in a private practice so he's the only one there. Many other docs are the same way. Obviously they don't want to be on call or in the office 24 hours per day. They all take turns taking after hour calls. When his patients call for him after hours one of them is on call.

If I need a prescription refilled or something like that there's no need to call them, they only say if something is of concern enough to go to the ER.

More and more docs are getting to the point they won't even say a runny nose might be allergies and to take some Benadryl. Too many people have sued them.

But if you can get the pediatrician/or whomever is on call, to call you back they can say this is normal or highly suspect.

The Dr should have told you which shots he received. Plus they always hand out info sheets now that describe the shot and what the typical reactions are. If you're concerned you should talk to his doctor.

My daughter got a rash after her age 4 shots and it was about the size of a quarter (a bit bigger). I was worried and called the doctor, who said it was not unusual. I would call your son's doctor and let the doctor decide if there is a concern.